|
Winter Haven is ideally located for doing S&F if you're doing the
rent-a-car / hotel routine. It's far enough out of town that you won't
fight crowds, but the new bypass will get you to the flyin in under
30 minutes. It is a tollway, $2 each way... a source
of local controversy. The best thing about Winter Haven is that you don't have to fight the crowds all evening. If you've tried to eat out in Lakeland during the show, you've experienced long waits and tired servers. The trip back to Winter Haven will be shorter than the wait at most Lakeland restaurants. Paul, Debbie and I stayed in Winter Haven last year and had a very relaxed and calm experience. There are several hotels in the area around the Winter Haven Airport: Budget Inn near downtown and next to McDonalds. They had 15 rooms for $58.00 each per night. Rooms are equipped to handle computer links. Motel is clean but nothing fancy. Phone is 863-297-9191. Speak to Polly. Lake Ida resort 863-293-0942 has cottages (2 beds) $ 75.00 per night with one bed at $50.00 per night. Is probably most pilot oriented but they say they are not computer compatible on the phones. Banyon Beach is $45-55 and not computer compatible. Phone is 1-888-663-5244. Super 8 (Brand new) $49.99 for a double room with microwave, fridge and a computer line. call 863-401-8211 Most of these budget type motels do not have restaurants or some of the more expensive extras. I would suggest you call them and go from there. For more information check out the Sun & Fun Info page. Select the accommodations button for info on camping, motels, etc. They list over a dozen properties in Winter Haven. Paul]. If you'd like to rent a car, you can call Winter Haven Ford and ask for Brenda in rental. They offer a CFO discount, are easy to work with and have a better price than other options, especially during Sun & Fun. Another option is Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Their contact on the airport is Richard Parrish at 863-293-2501. They will bring the car to the airport for you. Hopefully we'll get a van, but you may want your own car for some reason. There are other benefits to staying at Winter Haven, and we can take you to a few good restaurants to prove it. Aircraft fuel is also much less expensive at Winter Haven. |